Engine info 351 Ford Commander
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: Anything Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11888
Printed Date: April-23-2024 at 1:27pm
Topic: Engine info 351 Ford Commander
Posted By: Mikkel
Subject: Engine info 351 Ford Commander
Date Posted: September-08-2008 at 9:09pm
|
Hi guys,
I have just signed up to your forum today, as it seems this is where I might find some help and good advise :-) I recently bought and old american water skiing boat with a lovely V8 in it. The previous owner didn't know too much about it, but after looking up pictures on the web, I believe it to be similar to (if it is not) a ski nautique. How can I tell exactly what model and year my boat is? I can't find any identification number on the hull (I might not have looked in the right place) The engine is a Ford Commander 351, but this is close to all I know about it. Does anyone here have some info/history on the commander engines? I especially would like to know where I can find parts, as the engine hasn't been too well taken care of in the last couple of years from the looks of it. I already know skidim, which looks to be a great site, only they don't seem to have a lot of spare parts for Commander engines. Are there any other marine engines which are similar to the commander, from which I can use parts? I especially need a tune-up kit for the distributor, as the rotor is broken and has been glued and taped together again (!!!) but I don't know if it's a Mallory or a Prestolite. There's no label or anything left on the distributor anymore, so how can I tell? Since I most likely have to order spare parts in from the US, I sure would like getting the right ones the first time around. I have loads of other questions, but I'll try to look through the forum some more in search of answers before I ask them :-) Any info and/or comments will be very much apreciated. BR. Mikkel |
Replies:
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: September-08-2008 at 9:43pm
|
Hey Mikkel, welcome aboard!
I own a 1980 SN with a Commander 351, since the engine is a Ford 351w you can get the same parts as a contemporary PCM 351. Mine has a Prestolite clip down distributor, perhaps you can post a picture of your engine so we can help you out. To know what model and year your boat is you should check the transom for a code number marked in the gelcoat, post it and someone will know about it. Regards Luciano from Argentina. PS: One time some forum member said he owned a Commander manual but it never showed on the reference section, I'd be very thankful if someone has it and E-mails it to me. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: September-08-2008 at 10:06pm
Here are a couple of picture of the engine:
As you can clearly tell from the pictures the engine is in less than mint condition at present. However I plan to give it an overhaul this winter, if I can find the time needed. My primary goal is to make it start good - I have experienced a few of the same problems as I have seen described on the forum, with starting issues when hot. I also can't run it at more than 2500rpm continously, then it gets too hot. When running at 2500rpm the temperature is stabile at around 90C (about 190F) and running it faster makes the temp clib above 100C (210F). I think the heatexhanger might be full of salt crystals, or maybe the impeller is not very good anymore. Here's a picture of the entire boat as well, maybe someone will recognize it. 
The hull has also seen better days, but with a bit of TLC and some elbow grease I think it is definetely salvagable :-) BR. Mikkel |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: September-08-2008 at 10:31pm
|
Well, first of all let me tell you you have a really sweet boat there, and your engine looks pretty good to me too!!!!
It seems as if your distributor is a Prestolite, but cant see if it's the clip down (2 clips holding the cap) or the Screw down (2 screws holding), that will be easy for you to figure once you check it. I feel you are where I was when I got my boat, if shipping and customs is an issue for you to get parts as it is for me I recommend you order some things in advance "just in case". Get a tune up kit for you distributor, check plugs, coil and cables as well, change if needed. I think you're running a bit too hot, closed water cooling is supposed to be at 160F, so you should consider getting a new thermostat too. Get a new impeller and check the heat-exchanger for any blockage. Also, consider getting the Carb rebuild kit, "just in case" a carb rebuild is needed in the near future, yours look shinny though!. Those are my recomendations, perhaps someone more technical or experienced jumps in and gives you better. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: September-09-2008 at 1:04am
|
Welcome Mikkel...this place is getting an international flavor.
I agree with my friend Luciano...you engine looks pretty good to me. Not sure what make and model you have there but I am pretty sure it is not a Correct Craft. There is a guy on here...BKH....that will chime in soon and he is an expert at identifing some of these boats. But not to worry...we love questions and pictures on here so you are welcome to fire away. What type of skiing do you do? Lake or salt water? john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: horkn
Date Posted: September-09-2008 at 5:25am
|
I love the Remus stickers on the exhaust manifolds:)
Yeah, I know those are not really Remus, but I still like the stickers. That sure does not appear to be a CC, but it is ski boat. It must be pretty rare to see a big ol' american V8 powered ski boat in Denmark. ------------- 78 martinique- refloored, reinforced, stringers re glassed, re engineered interior GT40P heads Edelbrock Performer intake acme 4 blade http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/horkn/fish/nautique.jpg |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: September-09-2008 at 6:55am
|
Yeah, I like the stickers as well, even though I know they don't belong there ;-)
It's true, you don't see a lot of these boats here. Most people want to see the engine when they come by, and on a clear day I'm sure to get a lot of envious looks from the old guys at the marina when the engine fires up with a mighty roar, as the previous owner discarded the silencers :-) All in all I'd say it's extremely good value for the money I paid for it. The pictures of the engine doesn't show all the details. There is quite a bit of rust by the manifolds, several rusty bolts, and I plan to change most of the wiring, as the insulation is damaged on several of them. Also many wires are unnecessarily long and have funny routing. They look to have been replaced by someone not so electrically minded. Luchog - I forgot to put in yesterday that the distributor is a clamp top, and has a spring loaded advance. I already bought a new coil for it, a Blaster 2 with a ballast resistor, which should provide sufficient power to make a good spark. The existing bosch can only make a spark about 4-5mm long, which I don't think is enough to ensure accurate firing. It's my plan to buy sufficient parts to do a normal maintainance of the engine, refurbishing the carb and egnition as the first point. Also changing filters and changing fluids. Are there any suggestions to things I might need other than a carb rebuild kit, a tune up for the dist. and new coil/wires/plugs? Jbear - There's only saltwater available in my area, a small fjord which is very suitable for the purpose of skiing as there are often only small waves. I am just beginning to practise a single ski, and I think I'll get the hang of it with a little more practise, allthough my first attempts cost me several bruises. I'm still only at the point of dropping one ski on the go, but next season I'll want to learn to start on one ski. Thank you very much for the warm welcome, I'm sure I'll enjoy this forum a lot in the cold wintertimes :-) BR. Mikkel |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: September-10-2008 at 12:48am
We're glad you found us. It is pretty cool to feel as tho we have friends all over the world and can talk to them. So...how cold does it get? john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Mikkel wrote:Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: September-10-2008 at 10:11am
|
I do like the enclosed engine compartment, welcom Mikkel, ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: September-10-2008 at 7:16pm
Hey, that's me. I had offered to send out my commander manuals to someone that would scan and post them but never heard back. These are the original Commander manuals that came with my boat...a 1980 American Skier. I'm still willing to do that. Let me know... Ultra. |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: September-10-2008 at 8:34pm
|
Hi ultrarunner,
I sure would like a copy of that manual :-) John, our winter is a bit curious. It usually doesn't get too cold, more of a rainy and windy winter we have here, which is almost worse I think. We go get the occasional snow, usually about 1-3 weeks in total, but not often in succession. I like the snow best when I can do alpine skiing in it, and since we don't have any mountains here, I can't really say that I usually miss it too much ;-) /Mikkel |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: September-10-2008 at 9:30pm
|
Ultra, the issue here is that Mikkel is in Denmark and I'm in Argentina!!!
We need someone closer to you willing to do this, some volunteer? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: September-11-2008 at 11:10am
|
I do have a scanner here at home...we just moved and I haven't unpacked it yet, but I'll dig it out and see if it will do what we need. I scan scan to a PDF and then simply post it....I'll give it a try...
Ultra |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: September-11-2008 at 4:14pm
Ok Mikkel, here is the deal: I'll burn a copy of my manual, scan it, then email it to you. That should get you started. I sent a note to Keith asking if he'd be willing to do the same if I sent him all my original commander manuals, but in the mean time, I'll fire you a copy. There is an old-timer down in Miami, his name is Bob. And Bob bought most all the old parts from Commander Marine years ago. I have bought a few things from him in the last couple of years for my motor. Nice thing about his stuff is that it's all OEM new old-stock, still in the boxes. I just talked to Bob to see if he and any of the old manuals, and he does not, just parts. If you find you need something once you get going I can get you in touch with Bob. He doesn't particularly care to ship outside the US, but it's a simple matter to get a part and send it to you. Send me your email address and I'll email you the manual after I get it scanned. Ultra |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: September-11-2008 at 4:52pm
|
Sure thing, that sounds great :-)
Probably a genuine newbie problem, but how do you access the private messaging system? I've been looking just about everywhere on the site now, but I can't seem to find any info on how it works... and the help section is not very helpful at all on that subject it seems. Please, someone? :-) |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: September-11-2008 at 10:42pm
|
Ultra: could You send a copy of the file to me too? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: September-12-2008 at 4:15pm
| hey guys, I'll finish making the copy today, scan it to a PDF and send it to Keith for him to put in the reference section. Will that work? |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: September-12-2008 at 4:21pm
|
yes ------------- |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: September-12-2008 at 4:44pm
|
yes, thank you very much!!
one item off the bucket list! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: September-12-2008 at 5:25pm
|
Yes, that would be great :-)
Thank you very much. |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: September-13-2008 at 6:50am
|
Another question for you,
At full throttle it does about 3300rpm at the moment, so I'm wondering if the propeller is the correct size and pitch. I brought my gps along for a ride one day, and with 5 people in the boat it would do around 60km/h (which is about 37mph or 32 knots) This doesn't seem much for a long boat with such a large engine... I would think it should be able to do 40+ knots (46 mph) at a higher rpm with full throttle, is this way off? /Mikkel |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: September-13-2008 at 10:53pm
|
What size is your propeller (diamenter x pitch) it should be casted in the prop.
3300rpm is low, a stock 351 should do between 4400-4800 with a 13x13. Mine does 4800 with a 13x12 and 40mph. Anyway these are not very fast boats, the guys here enjoy playing with their engines for making them go faster but they are originaly meant to pull. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: September-14-2008 at 12:35pm
|
Hey guys, I'm out on a trip and didn't get the rest of the Commander service and parts manuals copied. I'll try to finish it up on Tuesday when I get back, and send them both to Keith so they can be uploaded into the reference section.
Thanks for your patience. Ultra-- |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: September-23-2008 at 1:36am
|
any updates? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: September-29-2008 at 2:24pm
|
Hi, sorry for the long time in reply, but I have been quite busy lately.
I have just taken the boat out of the water, and put it in a winter stand. I removed the propellor as one of the first things, as I was quite worn, and looks to have been soldered more than once before. It says 13 14 in the cast, and another four digit no which I can't remember. I guess that means that the pitch is 14", which might explain the low revs. As I have decided to invest in a new prop, which should I get then? I am thinking 13x12,5 to get the revs up, or should I go with a 13x13? Also which is better, a 3-blade or a 4-blade? On the last trip this year, about a 55minute very bumpy ride to move the boat near my parents house, where it will be staying in the winter, the engine started acting up. It wouldn't run smooth at low revs. and when I reached the harbour and let it idle on the way in, it sounded like it ran on very few cylinders, and eventually died on me. I had it restartet later, but it didn't fire well on all cylinders. It turned out that my carb was leaking a lot of gas into the manifold, which would explain the bad idling. I tried fiddling a bit with the carb, and when I drained a bit of gas, the engine ran smooth until the carb overflowed again, so it definitely needs a rebuild. I also changed the ignition coil to a high performance type with external ballast resistor, which seemed to make a lot of difference. When the carb didn't act up, the engine ran much smooter than before. Br. Mikkel |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: September-30-2008 at 1:38am
|
Ultra: Could you post this "Bob of Miami" e-mail or phone contact? Might be a few guys on here interested in parts.
john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: September-30-2008 at 5:02pm
|
Jbear, I think this is what you mean.
Commander parts Miami called Troubleshooters, Inc. They can be reached at 305-688-6681 Mikkel, I believe you should check all the tuneup for the engine before getting the propeller, this way you will have solid data to base your selection. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: September-30-2008 at 6:17pm
|
Luchog, do you mean to have the engine running good again, before changing the propeller?
By the way, I am thinking of putting an electronic conversion kit in the distributor in stead of an ordinary rebuild kit. I have found a kit by Mallory called #MAL9-26903. I can see in a different thread that you have the same kit in your distributor - is it any good? and is it really that simple to fit as it looks? |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: September-30-2008 at 11:19pm
|
Mikkel, yes, I meant to put the engine to a good running condition, electrical and fuel systems first, then you'll be on solid ground about what your engine condition really is. I feel the rpms your doing now are more related to the engine condition than to the propeller.
I still have points in my distributor, they are working good but they need some hand in them from time to time, that why I want to convert to EI. The mallory E-spark convertion seems to be the best one, if not that, the Prestolite unit. The Pertronix unit, though the cheapest, is not on my list since many people on this forums reported problems with it. I prefer to play it safe. I dont know if the Mallory comes with a distributor cap. You'll need one when doing the dist. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: September-30-2008 at 11:43pm
|
Thanks Luciano for the number. Will call to see if they have a web site. I have a pair of Commander manifolds that I am interested in trying to get on my boat. They look so much better than the PCMs.
john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: October-01-2008 at 12:21am
|
hey John, they are quite lighter too, and probably flow better because of their shape!!!
The only issue I see is since they dont have the high elbow they might be more sensible to water backflow from the exhaust lines. That's what worries me about mines (square logs replacements), though no water taken in as far as I know. How's this whole baillout issue treating you and Parry? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: October-01-2008 at 12:48am
|
Patti is kinda worried. All our money is tied up...can't touch it till I am 59.5 years of age.....2 more years. So far we are doing ok. We work in Social work so we ain't goin' outa business. Speaking about biz...how is yours goin'? You and Marte doing ok? I hope that you have been using that boat.
Does all this financial stuff up here in the States have any effect on you guys? Of course your economy must be good what with all the oil you guys sell. john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: October-01-2008 at 2:05am
|
Hey John, not that much Oil here, that would be Venezuela though. What we have is meat, soy beans and that stuff.
Things here are starting to get slower on the economy, I can tell because properties are starting to lower price. My bussiness been doing well so far, I could even buy one of those table soccer games for the kids, and just bought a new wakeboard from Miami Ski Nautiques, pity they didnt have the girl board I wanted for Maite so I'm shopping for her at this right moment. This will be her "degree gift". The way I see it, if it all goes to $%· I better buy all this stuff now that I can find the money, because later I dont know if I will. As for the boat, all it has seen lately is cruising from the Marina to the restaurant and back, next month it will be getting some work done before the true skiing/boarding season begins. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: October-01-2008 at 2:35am
|
I must have been mixing up Argentina and Venezuela! Sorry.
Boating season for most people is coming to an end here. So it is funny to hear you say it is just starting there. Upside down from here. But Eddie and I will ski all year. Just add a heater shirt and we'll be good to go. Better get all that new stuff now before you and Maite get any more serious! Have fun my friend. john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: October-01-2008 at 8:01am
I have thought about that myself, problem is that I have to use a crane to take the boat in and out of the water, as my trailer (which is homemade by someone) won't go far enough in the water to sail the boat in and out of it. So once the boat is in the water, it will be quite a bother to replace the prop. How about that Prestolite kit? do you have a number for that. From what I can tell about the E-spark kit it looks like it uses the original cap. I would very much like to eliminate the points, as I could then eliminate the ballast resistor for the coil, but otherwise I have thought about changing the wiring so the resistor is bypassed when the engine is cranking go give better spark for starting. |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: October-01-2008 at 1:25pm
|
You cant go wrong with either a 13x13,12,11,5, but since a prop is at least a U$D350 investment plus shipping, I'd try to get the best one for my application, that's why I suggested getting the boat running well first.
Dont forget to check the alignment of the shaft also. The Prestolite kit is listed in skidim.com, as for the ballast resistor each kit has it's instructions wich you should follow, installation of EI kits is often discussed on this forums. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: TiqueFan
Date Posted: December-08-2008 at 4:26pm
|
Ultrarunner, could you also send me the Commander manual and parts information/contact as well?
My 79' Ski Tique needs a new water pump bracket. Thanks. |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: December-08-2008 at 11:41pm
|
Mikkel, any updates on the boat?
Ultrarunner, any on the manuals? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: December-09-2008 at 12:45am
|
Hey guys, so sorry my manual project got pushed to the back burner. I have everything just about copied, and I'll go and get it scanned in the next week or so and get it to Keith so he can post it in the reference section.
Thanks for your patience. Ultra-- |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: December-09-2008 at 12:15pm
|
Hi again,
Yes, actually I have several updates on the boat. I have a very good colleague in the US who brought over a good supply of spare parts for me in the beginning of November. I bought a rebuild kit for my Holley, and various bits and pieces for the ignition, including a Prestolite Electronic conversion kit, which have had the best review I can find on the web. I also found a small Danish company, which can supply me with a replacement propeller. I ordered a 4-blade SS propeller 13x13, which will be bored exactly to fit my shaft, and balanced on a shaft so it should be running good - the old propeller was in VERY bad condition. This new propeller has been put on hold for the moment because of below discoveries. I rebuild the carb a couple of weeks ago and it turned out really good. All the gaskets were very old, and now it should be in good condition once again. When I had finished with the carb I wanted to hear if the rebuild improved on the engine, but then unfortunately I found out that the engine had seized up since I took it out of the water. It was running 8 weeks prior to that, not very good however, but now it's completely stuck :-(( So two weeks ago I pulled it out of the boat - which was a major job all mounts and everything is rusted and seized completely, but I managed to get it out. Now I am tearing the engine apart when I have spare time for the project. There is quite a bit of rust in the cylinders, and I think that one or more pistons are rusted stuck. Otherwise it comes apart pretty good, only a few broken bolts, all of which I managed to get out all together without damaging the threads in the block. I am also getting closer to identifying the engine. The block casting number reads D9AE which makes it a full size 1979 (whatever that means?), and it is a 351. I believe the block is a windsor. One of the heads read 1985 and the other reads 1981. I think it might have been rebuilt before since the parts are different dates? Anyways, I am fairly optimistic about the whole thing at the moment. The major upside being that the engine was just sitting still while it seized up so no major parts should have been damaged (I hope) and also now I will strip the whole thing down and replace all gaskets, fix the worn hoses and I will build a complete new wiring harness for it. Also I will have the entire engine cleaned piece by piece and finally spray painted or powder coated. I don't think it'll be too expensive, but it is going to require quite a lot of hours of my spare time. Hopefully the engine and aux. systems will be in mint condition come spring time. :-)) Good thing about it is that the engine is very solid, and simple construction, much nicer to work on than my jap motorcycle, since there's lots of room and only relatively few parts. All in all, once I got past the initial dissapointment, I think it's a super project, which will add greatly to the fun-value of my boat :-)) I am particularily looking forward to seeing a manual which hopefully applies to my engine. /Mikkel P.S. any advise on things I have to look out for in the rebuild will be appreciated. One thing I already found was that some of the cooling channels in the block/head were discontinued by the head gasket. Is this because of wrong gasket? or could it be intentional? |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: January-27-2009 at 2:04am
|
Ultrarunner any news on the Commander manuals???? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: January-28-2009 at 12:10am
|
Hey guys, I've done some more scanning. I'm pretty much snow-bound the next couple of days, so I should have it wrapped up.
thanks, Ultra |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: February-03-2009 at 7:05pm
|
Ok, I finally finished. I have three manuals that I can email Luchog, TiqueFan and Mikkel.
I have the 302/351 service/overhaul manual, the parts manual for same, and the Velvet drive manual (models 70c 71c). If each of you would send me your email addresses, I will send them right out. I will also send them to Keith so he may place them in the reference section for everyone. But I know you guys have been waiting for them so I'll get them right out to you. Ultra. |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: February-04-2009 at 1:07pm
|
I still can't find out how this private messaging system works, is it not enabled, or am I doing something wrong?
Ultra, could you please drop your mail address to me, using the email system on the forum? (I've enabled it in my settings now) I think that might be the way to go for now... Br. Mikkel |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: February-04-2009 at 1:13pm
|
Hi Mikkel. I see that I did not have my email activated in my profile. However I see yours now and I'll see what I can get you. I'm still working on compressing these PDF files small enough to email and still give quality resolution. The Engine manual and transmission manual are really big files. In the mean time I have emailed you the Engine parts list manual.
Ultra |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: February-04-2009 at 1:14pm
Probably because there isnt one! The site just allows you to send emails- there is no private message feature. ------------- |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: February-04-2009 at 1:16pm
| Mikkel, I can't send an attachment through this system. Ultra |
Posted By: TiqueFan
Date Posted: February-04-2009 at 4:36pm
|
Thanks Mark. My e-mail is aqbhudson1@hotmail.com.
I appreciate your getting these scanned for us. I'd also like to get the name of the guy in Miami you mentioned that had new old stock Commander parts. I need several replacement parts that I have not been able to source. |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: February-04-2009 at 10:59pm
|
Ultra great news!!
My email address are Luchog@arnet.com.ar or Luchog01@hotmail.com thank you a lot! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: February-06-2009 at 2:55pm
|
Mikkel, Luchog, et. al., I mailed off a CD with the Commander manuals to Keith today. So you should seem them in the reference section shortly. So sorry I got side-tracked and it took this long to get them to you all.
I hope they help. Ultra. |
Posted By: mousecreek
Date Posted: February-07-2009 at 12:06pm
|
ultrarunner - Thanks for doing the manuals. I've been after Commander Manuals since I bought my '79 2 years ago. You are my hero. Are you emailing the pdfs, or just letting Keith handle distribution?
|
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: February-07-2009 at 12:13pm
| Hey mouse, I put all the manuals on a CD and mailed it to Keith yesterday. So look for the manuals in the reference section shortly. |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: February-07-2009 at 5:06pm
| Thank you very much :-) This sure is greatly appreciated! I'm looking forward to seeing the manuals in the reference section. The quality of the parts manual is no less than excellent. Good job :-) |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: February-28-2009 at 12:30am
|
Mikkel, TiqueFan, Mousecreek, Luchog, et. al., Keith has posted the Commander Service/Overhaul manual and the Parts manual in the reference section. They are at the bottom of the list.
I hope they are of use to you all. Ultra. |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: March-03-2009 at 1:59pm
|
Once again, thank you very much.
I've already downloaded all of the stuff, and I'm putting it to good use almost as we speak :-)The job is getting on really well. Most of the major parts have been cleaned down completely to the bare metal and are already primed - I'm sure it'll look absolutely amazing once I get everything finished. Hopefully the engine will run as good as it looks also when I'm done. :-)) Cheers, Mikkel |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: March-03-2009 at 2:01pm
|
Thanks for the update Mikkel. Please post some pictures of your progress.
thanks, Ultra |
Posted By: Luchog
Date Posted: March-13-2009 at 1:01pm
|
Now is that a great manual or what???
------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2095" rel="nofollow - 1980 Ski Nautique Commander 351W |
Posted By: Mikkel
Date Posted: May-24-2009 at 7:51pm
|
Hi again guys,
Here's an update on my project. I haven't taken a lot of pictures since I pulled everything apart, so you'll have to make do with the final result :-) It turned out to be much more of a project than I originally thought. I think I have spent the better part of 300 hours, a LOT of greenbacks and almost every spare weekend since November. The most time was spent taking the engine apart, cleaning the parts down to the bare metal and repainting them, but I think the final result is worth every hour. I replaced all bearings, gaskets, oil pump, pistons, rings, connecting rods, lifters, alternator. The heads have been machined and exhaust valves replaced. Engine mounts have been replaced. New control cables, prop and propshaft are on their way. Throttle, carburettor and salt water pump has been rebuilt. Distributor has been rebuilt and fitted with Prestolite electronic ignition module (this was so easy and works SO good) Almost every hose has been replaced, every instrument except two and I have built a complete new wiring harness from scratch. Now the engine fires up instantly and runs so smooth I cannot believe the difference! I can't wait to have the last bits done so I can see how it sails - I think it'll be one good summer! It probably would have been cheaper to buy a replacement, but not nearly as fun. Plus now I know every nut and bolt of the boat, what might come in handy later on. Enjoy the pictures :-) Before: 
After: 
|
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: May-24-2009 at 11:29pm
|
Mikkel - Awesome work! You are going to have a blast this summer showing this beauty off! ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: Brktracer
Date Posted: May-25-2009 at 11:51am
|
Mikkel: Great job. If that engine runs as good as it looks you'll have a great summer. Let us know how it runs with the new prop.
------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=3180 - 1976 Nautique |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: May-25-2009 at 11:58am
Mikkel, you have it as bad as so many of us do! 
Nice looking work and get us a shot of that smile on your next run!  ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: myerin
Date Posted: November-14-2012 at 9:14pm
| Nice job (what hull is that)?. Sorry for replying to such an old post but I am looking for the manuals for the 351 Commanders also. Will trade for some of the manuals in my database. Thanks for any help you can give me. |
Posted By: ultrarunner
Date Posted: November-15-2012 at 12:39pm
|
Myerin, the Commander manual as well as the parts list manual is in the reference section and can be downloaded. Mark ps. what manuals might you have that aren't in our reference section? |